The Los Angeles Rams have another problem to address as they try to recover from a difficult start to the 2026 NFL season. Their latest defeat exposed continued concerns on special teams, leaving head coach Sean McVay with another decision to make.
Los Angeles lost 20-19 to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday after a late field goal decided the contest. The Rams had hoped their latest roster move would provide greater stability after an inconsistent stretch from their previous kicker.
Instead, the game brought another setback for a team already searching for answers. The Rams must now reassess their options as they prepare for Week 7 and attempt to steady a special teams unit that has struggled to find consistency.
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Blake Grupe tears ACL after injury against Cardinals
The Rams’ latest setback involves kicker Blake Grupe, who tore his ACL during Sunday’s game against Arizona, according to Adam Schefter’s report. Los Angeles subsequently placed Grupe on injured reserve, ending his immediate return prospects after just one appearance with the team.
Grupe suffered the knee injury while tackling Cardinals returner Devin Duvernay on a kickoff early in the game. The Rams had signed him from the New York Jets’ practice squad earlier in the week after moving on from Harrison Mevis.
Rams kicker Blake Grupe tore his ACL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 19, 2026
Before the injury, Grupe had made a 44-yard field goal to give Los Angeles an early lead. However, he left for medical evaluation and did not return. His ACL tear now leaves the Rams needing another replacement at a position that has already brought them significant frustration this season.
Rams must search for another kicker before Week 7
Grupe’s injury forces Los Angeles to revisit its kicking plans almost immediately. The team had brought him in hoping to improve its reliability after Mevis struggled in the previous game against Buffalo.
Mevis had converted five of nine field-goal attempts before the Rams moved on from him. His misses included a blocked potential game-winner in the overtime loss to the Bills. Grupe’s arrival offered a fresh option, but his injury means the team must search for another solution.
The Rams could explore free-agent kickers or make another move through the practice squad. They also need to settle their kicking operation quickly, since an injury to the specialist can affect extra points, field goals and kickoff responsibilities.
At 2-4 entering the Cardinals matchup, Los Angeles has little margin for further mistakes. McVay’s team must stabilize its special teams while its offense works to produce more consistent results. Finding a dependable kicker has become an immediate priority as the Rams prepare for their next game.
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